The poem is a little myth of man's capacity of making life meaningful. And in the end, the poem is not a thing we see--it is, rather, a light by which we may see--and what we see is life.

Robert Penn Warren

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Four Questions for C. Kubasta

C. Kubasta experiments with hybrid forms, excerpted text, and shifting voices – her work has been called claustrophobic and unflinching. Her favorite rejection (so far) noted that one editor loved her work, and the other hated it. A 6-year-old once mistook her for Velma, from Scooby Doo, and was unduly excited. She feels a strong affinity for Skipper, Barbie’s flat-footed cousin. For each major publication, she celebrates with a new tattoo; someday she hopes to be completely sleeved – her skin a labyrinth of signifiers, utterly opaque. She is the author of two chapbooks: A Lovely Box, which won the 2014 Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets Chapbook Prize, and &s (both from Finishing Line); and a full-length collection, All Beautiful & Useless (BlazeVOX). She teaches English and Gender Studies at Marian University, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She lives with her beloved John, cat Cliff, and dog Ursula. Find her at ckubasta.com.

DS: Why do you write poetry?

CK: When I was in 6th grade, my Language Arts teacher challenged us each to write a poem – I think it was for Read magazine. That was probably the first time I really thought about poetry, but somehow it stuck. I turn to poetry often when I want to express the fragmentary and evocative: much about our lives seems fragmentary; bits and pieces of language that evoke something about our human experience, without attempting to fully explain or narrativize that experience is what draws me to poetry. Although lately I’ve been writing fiction, and fully planning to immerse myself in that, setting aside poetry for a while, I’ve been unable to do so. Poems call to me to be written. Sharp fragments (the roadkill clustered with crows; the half-toppled Martin house; the formula for a chemical reaction; how denim is riveted) become embedded in my consciousness and want to become poems, and nothing else. Since the election I’ve been thinking of bees and colony collapse. What could that be but a poem?

DS: What do you hope to find in poems written by other people?

CK: I want poems that occasion a physical reaction. I’m drawn to poems with sharp lines, with intricate & surprising forms. Poems and poets that move me cause excited utterances, usually an expletive, the sort of thing that could be admissible in court even after I’m gone. Recently I was trying to explain to a student what I liked about a poem and I wanted to draw a picture of a screw with a t-handle for extra torque. The good poem affects me like the screw is in my belly, and there are various “turns” throughout the poem, a good quarter turn, that sinks it deeper in. I want poems that are visceral, that cannot be ignored, that demand our emotional, psychological, and mental energy. We are forced to engage with them – poetry, like humor, porn, & horror, should also be a body genre.

DS: Describe your works in progress.

CK: &s, a new chapbook, is just out; the poems in it use the ampersand to construct and deconstruct the poems. My second book of poetry will be out next year from Whitepoint Press. Of Covenants explores linguistic, religious, and legal covenants – these tacit agreements define & articulate our experience. Lately I’ve been thinking about the last idea a bit more, especially in terms of language. There are a number of poems in the book that explore pronouns and their supposed antecedents. Certain pronouns seem to have lost their moorings, a happenstance both troubling and liberating. Additionally, the sentence diagrams that map these relationships seem to need an additional dimension that accounts for who interprets meaning, for who overhears the transactional nature of the naming. Perhaps what I’ve been reconsidering since the election, when we’re arguing whether words mean what they purport to mean, or whether they mean anything at all, is whether the notion of language as a covenant has begun to fray in a very visible way. The poems I’m writing just now are a longer series; I seem to be thinking in moving parts of longer pieces, rather than in individual poems. One series, Percolations, engages (obliquely) with the questions/concerns/issues raised this last summer through the public responses around shootings & protests. Another series, Corpus, utilizes the body and its products as a sort of autobiography: the stapes, the eye, ambergris. I also recently wrote a poem I love about a dear friend who died – it’s a poem about his dying, the days of it, the waiting for it. Each section of the poem is titled “The Present.” His dying was always in the present. 

DS: What are your hopes for the future of poetry?

CK: I want more poetry that challenges us, as readers and human beings. I want less “nice” poetry, fewer “pretty” things. I want poetry that is difficult – and I don’t mean less accessible – I mean poetry that deals with difficult topics, that forces us to picture things we’ve never imagined, that asks us to empathize in ways we haven’t, that asks us to inhabit uncomfortable spaces, that asks us to sit with discomfort and doesn’t let us off the hook. And I want people to not only be willing to read this kind of work, but to seek this out, to seek ways to stretch our humanity. Our humanity is a muscle like any other.

71 comments:

  1. Nice post, impressive. It’s quite different from other posts. Thanks for sharing. CBD Oil

    ReplyDelete
  2. The poem I talk about above, "The Present" --just came out. Read it here: http://hematopoiesispress.com/kubasta-thepresent

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice post, impressive. It’s quite different from other posts.

    แคมฟรอก

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice post, impressive. It’s quite different from other posts.

    แคมฟรอก

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for sharing valuable information nice post,I enjoyed reading this post.

    ดูหนัง

    ReplyDelete
  6. Apple Computer Support Number – Acer is a leading brand in the market for desktops and laptops. They have some of the highly praised computers as stated by the users. Now many of the users have also reported some technical glitches when using Acer Computers. Such issue can be really frustrating.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Samsung Printer Support Number - Samsung Printers are ideal for large and heavy printing. One can print document, text, image and other things at your home and office. You will get quality and quantity with the Samsung Printers. They are also a leading brand in computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Now the Samsung also provides the outstanding support for their products.

    ReplyDelete

  8. If you are having one of such question and looking for an answer then do not worry. We are here to help you. You can call the Norton

    Support team and we will provide you with an on-call technician. The technician will take your issue and help you through by providing you

    troubleshooting steps.

    norton.com/setup



    Epson or Seiko Epson Corporation is a Japanese Company which is one of the world’s largest of Printers and imagining related equipment.

    With growing demand for a printing device, the technology around printing products is increasing too. This what Epson Printer deliver with

    their new and upgraded Printers.pson printer support

    epson printer support


    Norton Antivirus, Norton Utilities and many others. The company developed a complete tool which can be used as an Antivirus, Anti Malware

    as well as internet Security Software. The Norton Antivirus protects the Windows PC, Mac and Mobile Devices from the online threats as

    well as the hackers.

    norton.com/setup



    Brother is another popular Printer company which manufactures advanced printing device and accessories for both personal and business

    use. It is a Japanese company which sells their products both online and offline, from stores.


    Brother printer support

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your regular Amazon shopping could get you awesome FREE Luxurious Gifts.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your regular Amazon shopping could get you awesome FREE Luxurious Gifts.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Such a more valuable information. I also read your all Blogs. This is awesome!! I’ve always enjoyed reading that type of blog. Keep writing such kind of info on the page. I am really impressed with this type of writing. Thanks for sharing with us.Mcafee.com/activateMcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  12. An antivirus program is designed in order to protect your device from malicious software programs.norton.com/setup | www.norton.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  13. McAfee is a worldwide popular cybersecurity brand that is engaged in the development of highly advanced security solutions. mcafee.com/activate | www.mcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  14. mcafee.com/activate - If you are looking for an antivirus for laptop/computer/mobile then McAfee is one of the best online security software.mcafee.com/activate | www.mcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  15. Microsoft Office is specially designed to facilitate easy office operations and has become the lifeline of every enterprise in today’s world. office.com/setup | www.office.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sign in to Office 365 at office.com/setup At the base of the screen, select RUN. Take after the prompts and perceive the assert covenant.office.com/setup | www.office.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  17. Step by Step guide for mcafeeactivate and office setup Download & complete installation online. If you have any problem, call us or email the error, our expert technician contacts you with a suitable perfect solution.
    mcafee.com/activate


    ReplyDelete
  18. Roblox Phone Number | Roblox Support
    solitaire Game Not Working
    Error Sage 50 cannot be started
    Renew pogo subscription
    Stack’em HD freezing half way
    How to Fix Pogo Login Issue ?
    How to Fix Juno Webmail Login Problems?
    Garmin Gps Devices Support
    Express Dictate Digital Dictation Software
    Why medical practices are turning to Dragon medical voice recognition
    Dragon Dictation Support
    HP Printer
    How do I purchase PLUS after I’ve already filed my 2019 return?
    Arlo Support
    How to Contact Pogo Customer Support
    Fix problems sending AOL Mail
    McAfee.com/activate
    Canon support for basic issues
    Zone Alarm Contact
    Games not working? Try these troubleshooting steps
    Poppit! Bingo game not working or loading
    Trend Micro Security software
    DICTATION PROBLEMS IN NATURALLYSPEAKING
    Dragon Dictation
    Trend Micro not opening
    How To Fix Pogo Game Won’t Load or not stacking
    Solitaire Game Support
    Outlook Support
    Roadrunner Email Support
    Problem With Panda Antivirus
    Quicken Error CC-501 Occurs
    Quick Fix to AOL Gold Icon Not Responding Problem
    MCAFEE ANTIVIRUS BASIC ISSUES AND ITS SOLUTION
    How to Fix Common Webroot Antivirus Problems ?
    Avast 2019 on Windows 10 Not Working
    Webroot Key-code not working?
    Norton Setup
    How to Fix Overflow Error in QuickBooks Desktop: Step-by-Step Guide
    Outlook is not opening

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is really helpful post and very informative
    there is no doubt about it. I found this one pretty
    fascinating and it should go
    into my collection. Very good work!
    http://dragonsupportnumbers.com
    http://onlinecomputersolution.com
    http://pogogamehelpline.com
    http://nortonsetup.store



    This is really helpful post and very informative
    there is no doubt about it. I found this one pretty
    fascinating and it should go
    into my collection. Very good work!
    http://dragonsupportnumbers.com
    http://onlinecomputersolution.com
    http://pogogamehelpline.com
    http://nortonsetup.store


    ReplyDelete
  20. This is really helpful post and very informative
    there is no doubt about it. I found this one pretty
    fascinating and it should go
    into my collection. Very good work!
    http://dragonsupportnumbers.com
    http://onlinecomputersolution.com
    http://pogogamehelpline.com
    http://nortonsetup.store



    This is really helpful post and very informative
    there is no doubt about it. I found this one pretty
    fascinating and it should go
    into my collection. Very good work!
    http://dragonsupportnumbers.com
    http://onlinecomputersolution.com
    http://pogogamehelpline.com
    http://nortonsetup.store



    This is really helpful post and very informative
    there is no doubt about it. I found this one pretty
    fascinating and it should go
    into my collection. Very good work!
    http://dragonsupportnumbers.com
    http://onlinecomputersolution.com
    http://pogogamehelpline.com
    http://nortonsetup.store



    This is really helpful post and very informative
    there is no doubt about it. I found this one pretty
    fascinating and it should go
    into my collection. Very good work!
    http://dragonsupportnumbers.com
    http://onlinecomputersolution.com
    http://pogogamehelpline.com
    http://nortonsetup.store


    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  23. The above shared article is really very good, content present in it is very informative and very easy to understand.
    Thanks for sharing
    McAfee.com/Activate
    McAfee.com/Activate
    McAfee.com/Activate
    McAfee.com/Activate
    office.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hey ya, I’m actually joyful I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and internet and this is really Helpful. A good blog with exciting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for making this web site, and I will be visiting over again. Visit௹☞ telstra webmail supportCommercial Plumbingnorton setupoffice.com/setupOffice.com/setupNorton Antivirus Login

    ReplyDelete
  25. Mcafee security is enhanced through a Xerox and McAfee security system to help protect against threats to your confidential data. Read how.
    mcafee activate product key | mcafee.com/activate product key | mcafee com activate product key | mcafee activation key | mcafee com activate uk


    ReplyDelete
  26. Download and install or reinstall Office. You'll use your Microsoft Account for everything you do with office.com/setup.

    ReplyDelete
  27. YouTube is an American video-sharing platform. YouTube Activate professional team always available for customer assistance. If you are facing any challenges with YouTube, get in touch with us and get the solution by experts youtube.com/activate.

    ReplyDelete
  28. If you are handling youtube.com/activate enter code difficulties in connecting YouTube on Roku, Xbox, and PS3 you don’t understand what to do, you should simply visit our website youtube.com/activate. Their many blogs given for the suitability of customers simply you follow the instruction and fix your YouTube. Otherwise, you contact us our toll free.
    Read more…

    ReplyDelete
  29. Visit McAfee official website www.mcafee.com/activate or mcafee.com/activate.Enter your 25 digits McAfee Product Key.Log in to your McAfee account or Create new.Click Submit and Choose “Country and language”.Once Logged in, Download your Setup.Run downloaded application to install mcafee. Installation Done.macfee activate

    ReplyDelete
  30. It's Really a Nice and useful. Thanks for sharing the information. That’s a awesome blog you posted. I found the post very useful as well as interesting. I will come back to read some more. Know about Garmin Express.

    ReplyDelete
  31. It is such a meaningful poem. Keep doing the same hardwork in future.
    Thanks for sharing this information with us.
    office.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  32. The Garmin Nuvi series with LMT provides lifetime Maps and Traffic. They come overloaded with particular regions. Other features include real time traffic updates and markings for points of interest. When use this amazing Garmin Nuvi update maps it can happen that you might get stuck in some kind of problem which might create an obstacle in between your working. These issues generally occur while using Garmin Map Update. you can update your Maps and software and get them to sync with the Garmin Connect.

    ReplyDelete
  33. The Garmin Nuvi series with LMT provides lifetime Maps and Traffic. They come overloaded with particular regions. Other features include real time traffic updates and markings for points of interest. When use this amazing Garmin Nuvi update maps it can happen that you might get stuck in some kind of problem which might create an obstacle in between your working. These issues generally occur while using Garmin Map Update. you can update your Maps and software and get them to sync with the Garmin Connect.

    ReplyDelete
  34. You can activate FuboTV two ways – first via email or using a FuboTV activate code. If you have already activated yourself on FuboTV, then prefer using an email for FuboTV account login or if it’s your first time with FuboTV, then choose the Sign In With Code option. you can simply navigate to fubo.tv/Connect, go to the Signup option and enter the details like email ID, your name and set the password.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Download the latest firmware version for your device. Go to the download center for your Region on the TP-Link website. Then, select the appropriate drop downs for your TP-Link product. Choose the corresponding hardware version, click on Firmware. For the tp-link router firmware update, a list of available firmware will be displayed. Unzip/extract the Firmware from the downloaded .ZIP file.

    ReplyDelete
  36. You will need a computer or desktop connected to the same wireless network with which you want to connect your printer. The next requirement is of strong internet connection for software downloads. Turn on your computer, printer, and router. Install the ink cartridges in your printer, load plain papers in the input tray. Place your printer in the range of your router and close to the computer on a flat surface. Download the HP printer software for the process of HP Deskjet 2540 connect to Wifi

    ReplyDelete
  37. The MAT north jersey rehab treatment utilizes drugs, in mix with treatment, to help a singular end a substance use problem. Prescription Assisted Treatment for liquor compulsion is successful and accessible.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Our vision boca recovery center florida Centers is to provide quality therapeutic services. We take a Level Up approach to addiction treatment, and we believe in treating the individual through mind, body and spirit. Each of these components have an important effect on the well-being of a person. We treat not just the physical aspect of the disease, but also the emotional, familial, environmental and social.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The drug addiction treatment california stage is the initial phase in treating liquor addiction. Withdrawal indications normally die down inside around one to about fourteen days subsequent to beginning detox; be that as it may, this could take longer relying upon the seriousness of your Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). From that point, you will actually want to zero in on different parts of the recuperation cycle, like various exercises, treatments, advising meetings, and backing choices.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Join center for creative leadership coach training, the forerunner in instructing and preparing for achieved people. Get demonstrated apparatuses and techniques for recuperation and figure out how to develop your capacities, associations, connections, new business, occupations, and openings. Discover how you also can have a huge impact, love your life and what you do.

    ReplyDelete
  41. The MAT How To Relieve Opiate Withdrawal treatment utilizes drugs, in mix with treatment, to help a singular end a substance use problem. Prescription Assisted Treatment for liquor compulsion is successful and accessible.

    ReplyDelete
  42. To improve the internal health of your company we offer the best Employer Branding Services. Having good experience we also known as the best employer branding agency in Gurgaon, India.
    employer branding agency India
    employer branding agency india

    ReplyDelete
  43. Many men and women struggle with drug and alcohol use plugging xanax along with mental illness. In 2018, an estimated 9.2 million people in the U.S. struggled with co-occurring disorders like this, according to the Substance Abuse and mental Health Services Administration.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms headache is a hallucinogenic drug. This means that when consumed, it causes the user to have unusual experiences such as hearing sounds, seeing illusions, and feeling things that are not actually there. A drug with an extensive history of both medicinal and recreational use, LSD use does not come without risks. An acid trip can last 12 hours or more, and when it goes wrong it can go terribly wrong. This substance is common at raves, parties, and music festivals, so knowing what acid looks like and understanding the risks is imperative, especially for young adults and teenagers.
    will i lose weight if i stop drinking alcohol

    ReplyDelete
  45. soma withdrawal Is it accurate to say that you are looking for unrivaled medication and liquor recovery, detox, and double determination treatment that is top notch? We Level Up New Jersey habit treatment focus flawlessly joins these cutting edge treatment modalities and then some, alongside remodeled offices, all around prepared enslavement subject matter experts, and remedial groups.
    dual diagnosis treatment centers in nj

    ReplyDelete
  46. The We Level Up FL is soma addictive emotional wellness community is an exceptionally particular, present day, forward-thinking office giving imaginative conduct recuperation treatment programs. Treatments happen in a serene manicured setting with open air unwinding regions offering restoration spaces. Giving science-based psychological wellness medicines intended for every customer and conveyed through profoundly customized individual consideration.
    how to detox from xanax cold turkey

    ReplyDelete
  47. The detox center escondido california stage is the initial phase in treating liquor addiction. Withdrawal indications normally die down inside around one to about fourteen days subsequent to beginning detox; be that as it may, this could take longer relying upon the seriousness of your Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). From that point, you will actually want to zero in on different parts of the recuperation cycle, like various exercises, treatments, advising meetings, and backing choices.

    ReplyDelete
  48. The CBD Gummies for Tinnitus is an independent audiological practice specializing in tinnitus treatment and management, and providing hearing aid consultations and fitting. The Tinnitus Clinic leads the way in bespoke treatment and packages, including our own evidence-based Tinnitus Desensitisation Therapy (TDT).

    ReplyDelete
  49. Webroot registration is very important with the key code for your webroot install. Without webroot registration you cannot activate your webroot protection on your computer. if you purchased a webroot antivirus so you can go to the webroot registration web page and www.webroot.com/safe is a website for your registration help.


    ReplyDelete
  50. HP deskjet 3755 ink printer Setup Guide Attain across the board printer highlights utilizing the completer HP Deskjet 3755 printer arrangement guide. Build up the printer capacities alongside Copy, Scan, and Fax highlights. Interface with the compatibles and get various Wireless ascribes with easy arrangement steps.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Level Up life changes addiction treatment center west palm beach Treatment Center in West Palm Beach is located in stunning South Florida. Our clients who are looking for the best alcohol or drug treatment to overcome their fixation for the last time come from the United States, Canada, and even the world to receive our treatment plan.

    ReplyDelete
  52. World-class We Level Up addiction to percocet and oxycontin Addiction Treatment Center providing Dual-Diagnosis Recovery Programs.

    ReplyDelete
  53. India bpo companiesMarch 25, 2022 at 2:41 AM

    wow ! Nice blog Articles That you mention here They Are Really awesome.

    India bpo companies

    ReplyDelete
  54. The Family Tree Maker file converter is a tool that can convert family tree maker files into an Excel spreadsheet. To use this tool, first, download it from the internet and save it in a location on the computer. Also, check to see if the external hard drive is in good working order. If you have your FTM data on an external hard disc.Now open it from the Start menu or any Windows Explorer window by double-clicking on the file name of the converter file.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Congratulations on your article, it was very helpful and successful. 3a7c4e4a76bc4a22435189ebd4ac73d4
    website kurma
    sms onay
    numara onay

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thank you for your explanation, very good content. 646664bbf3b8c6db08e6f2c1b63134e9
    define dedektörü

    ReplyDelete
  57. If you would like to discuss one of your projects with Loft conversion builders in London, featuring a team of experienced Essex and London construction builders, Project Managers and Surveyors, Essex and London Construction can help. To discuss your residential or commercial project, click the button to call our team of experienced builders today!

    ReplyDelete